Hair Brush For Smoothing Hair

ABSTRACT

In one example according to the teachings of the present invention, a hair brush has a brush head with a working surface, a plurality of monofilament bristles protruding from the working surface of the brush head, and a microfiber material exposed on a portion of the working surface of the brush head. In one example, the hair brush can also have a plurality of bristle tufts protruding from the working surface of the brush head. In one example, the hair brush can also have a bristle carrier connected to the brush head. The plurality of monofilament bristles can be attached to the bristle carrier.

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

This patent is related to and claims priority benefit of U.S.provisional application Ser. No. 61/591,688 filed Jan. 27, 2012 andentitled “Brush for Smoothing and Styling, and Methods of Use andManufacturing Thereof.” The entire content of this prior filedapplication is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure is generally directed to hair brushes, and moreparticularly to a hair brush with characteristics for smoothing hairduring use of the brush.

2. Description of Related Art

Hair brushes are well known in the art for styling and simply combing auser's hair There are many known hair brushes having a wide variety ofstyles, shapes, configurations, and construction available in themarketplace. Most hair brushes typically have a plurality of bristlesprotruding from a brushing or working surface of a brush head. Thetypical brush employs only a single type of bristle. The brush bristlesare typically spaced apart over the area of the brushing or workingsurface.

Hair smoothing has become a known consumer frustration within the hairstyling category. There are many types of styling and cleaning productsand additives that can be employed and applied to the hair to help withsmoothing frizzed, split, and damaged hair. These products are often inliquid form and are wet when applied to the user's hair. The hair canalso be wet when such hair cleaning and styling products are applied.

Hair smoothing has become a highly sought after feature. As a result,some manufacturers have produced hairstyling implements, such as hairbrushes, and have made claims that these implements can deliver smootherhair when used. However, there are very few examples within thiscategory of purported smoothing implements that actually deliverdemonstrably smoother hair. Some of these products are configured toassist in the application of the aforementioned wet goods and hairproducts that are designed or intended to smooth the hair. Themechanical action at work in these instances is the actual coating ofthe hair strands with a silicon or similar substance that helps to maskthe effects of damaged hair cuticles.

There are a few products that are designed to specifically addressstatic. Static is believed in the industry to be a contributing agent tohair frizz and, thus, a lack of smooth hair, but it is known to only beone factor. The success of these known implements and the attempts toprovide hair styling implements, such as hair brushes, that can smooththe hair of a user is quite limited. The success of these implementsalso can vary widely, depending on humidity or other environmentalfactors.

SUMMARY

In one example according to the teachings of the present invention, ahair brush has a brush head with a working surface, a plurality ofmonofilament bristles protruding from the working surface of the brushhead, and a microfiber material exposed on a portion of the workingsurface of the brush head.

In one example, the hair brush can also have a plurality of bristletufts protruding from the working surface of the brush head.

In one example, the hair brush can also have a bristle carrier connectedto the brush head. The plurality of monofilament bristles can beattached to the bristle carrier.

In one example, the hair brush can also have a plurality of bristletufts protruding from the working surface of the brush head and abristle carrier connected to the brush head. The plurality ofmonofilament bristles and the plurality of bristle tufts can be attachedto the bristle carrier.

In one example, at least a portion of the monofilament bristles and/or aportion of the bristle tufts, if provided, can protrude through themicrofiber material.

In one example, the hair brush can also include a bristle carrierconnected to the brush head. The plurality of monofilament bristles canbe attached to the bristle carrier. The bristle carrier can have a frontside facing in the direction of the working surface, a back side facingthe brush head, and a plurality of holes formed therethrough. Each ofthe plurality of holes can extend through a support pod protruding fromthe back side.

In one example, the hair brush can also include a plurality of bristletufts protruding from the working surface of the brush head. At least aleast a portion of the plurality of bristle tufts can be formed at leastin part of boar bristles.

In one example, the hair brush can include a plurality of bristle tuftsprotruding from the working surface of the brush head. Each bristle ofthe plurality of bristle tufts can be formed as a strand of boar hairthat is bent in half to form two boar bristles of the respective bristletufts.

In one example, the hair brush can also include a plurality of bristletufts protruding from the working surface of the brush head. At leastsome of the plurality of monofilament bristles can be closely adjacentto corresponding tufts of the plurality of bristle tufts.

In one example, at least some of the plurality of monofilament bristlesis formed of a Nylon material.

In one example, at least some of the plurality of monofilament bristlesis an extruded Nylon material with a free end dipped in a substance toform a ball on a tip of the free end.

In one example, the hair brush can also include a bristle carrier formedof a resilient, flexible material with a perimeter edge which is joinedto the brush head.

In one example, the hair brush can also include support pods protrudingfrom and spaced apart over a back side of a bristle carrier joined tothe brush head. Each support pod can define a bristle hole through thebristle carrier.

In one example, the hair brush can also include support pods protrudingfrom and spaced apart over a back side of a bristle carrier joined tothe brush head. Each support pod can define a bristle hole through thebristle carrier. Each of the plurality of monofilament bristles can besecured in a different one of the support pods.

In one example, the hair brush can also include support pods protrudingfrom and spaced apart over a back side of a bristle carrier joined tothe brush head. Each support pod can define a bristle hole through thebristle carrier. The hair brush can also include a plurality of bristletufts protruding from the working surface of the brush head. One or moreof the plurality of bristle tufts can be secured in a common one of thesupport pods along with one of the plurality of monofilament bristles.

In one example, the hair brush can also include support pods protrudingfrom and spaced apart over a back side of a bristle carrier joined tothe brush head. Each support pod can define a bristle hole through thebristle carrier. The hair brush can also include a plurality of bristletufts protruding from the working surface of the brush head. Theplurality of monofilament bristles can be secured in a first set of thesupport pods and the plurality of bristle tufts is secured in a secondset of the support pods different from the first set.

In one example, the brush head can be an oval or a rectangular shapedefined by a perimeter and can form a pair of opposed faces, one ofwhich defines the working surface.

In one example, the brush head can be a generally cylindrical shape witha circumferential outer surface defining the working surface.

In one example, the hair brush can also include a handle connected toand extending from the brush head.

In one example, the microfiber material can be a layer of microfibercloth connected to a substantial majority of the working surface.

In one example, the hair brush can also include a bristle carriercoupled to the brush head. The microfiber material can include one ormore microfiber material segments connected to the bristle carrier onthe working surface.

In one example, the hair brush can also include a bristle carriercoupled to the brush head. The microfiber material can include two ormore microfiber material segments connected to the bristle carrier onthe working surface. Each of the microfiber material segments can bespaced from the other of the microfiber material segments.

In one example, the hair brush can also include a bristle carriercoupled to the brush head. The microfiber material can include one ormore microfiber material segments connected to the bristle carrier onthe working surface. A ring can secure a perimeter edge of the bristlecarrier to the brush head. The ring can also secure edges of the one ormore microfiber material segments to the brush head.

In one example, the hair brush can also include a bristle carriercoupled to the brush head. The microfiber material can include one ormore microfiber material segments connected to the bristle carrier onthe working surface. A ring can secure a perimeter edge of the bristlecarrier to the brush head. The ring can also secure edges of the one ormore microfiber material segments to the brush head. The ring can beformed of a ceramic material or can have a ceramic coating thereon.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent upon reading the following description in conjunction with thedrawing figures, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of one example of a hair brushconstructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a front plan view of the hair brush shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a top end view of the hair brush shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows a cross-section taken along line 4-4 of the hair brushshown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 shows a front plan view of another example of a hair brushsimilar to that shown in FIG. 1, but having a different bristleconfiguration and arrangement.

FIG. 6 shows a top end view of the hair brush shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of another example of a hair brushconstructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 8 shows a front plan view of the hair brush shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 shows a top end view of the hair brush shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 shows a front plan view of another example of a hair brushsimilar to that shown in FIG. 7, but having a different bristleconfiguration and arrangement.

FIG. 11 shows a top end view of the hair brush shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 shows a front plan view of another example of a hair brushsimilar to that shown in FIG. 7, but having another different bristleconfiguration and arrangement.

FIG. 13 shows a front plan view of another example of a hair brushsimilar to that shown in FIG. 7, but having another different bristleconfiguration and arrangement.

FIG. 14 shows a front plan view of another example of a hair brushsimilar to that shown in FIG. 7, but having another different bristleconfiguration and arrangement.

FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of another example of a hair brushconstructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 16 shows a front plan view of the hair brush shown in FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 shows a top end view of the hair brush shown in FIG. 15.

FIG. 18 shows a top end view of another example of a hair brush similarthat shown in FIG. 15, but having a different bristle configuration andarrangement.

FIG. 19 shows a top end view of another example of a hair brush similarthat shown in FIG. 15, but having another different bristleconfiguration and arrangement.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosed hair brushes solve or improve upon one or more of theaforementioned and/or other problems and disadvantages with prior knownhair brushes and styling implements. In one example, the disclosed hairbrushes employ a brush head with multiple different features on theworking surface that yield different hair styling performancecharacteristics. In one example, the disclosed hair brushes employ aplurality of monofilament, such as synthetic or man-made, bristlesprotruding from the working surface of the brush head. In one example,the disclosed hair brushes employ a plurality of bristle tufts, whichcan be naturally occurring, such as animal hair, protruding from theworking surface of the brush head. In one example, the disclosed hairbrushes employ a microfiber material exposed on at least a portion ofthe working surface of the brush head. These brush head elements can incombination produce a hair brush capable of performing several functionsincluding smoothing of the hair. These and other objects, features, andadvantages of the present invention will become apparent to those havingordinary skill in the art upon reading this disclosure.

Turning now to the drawings, FIGS. 1-3 show one example of a hair brush20 constructed in accordance with the teachings of the presentinvention. In this example, the hair brush 20 generally has a brush head22 and a handle 24 projecting from one end of the brush head. As isknown in the art, one can grasp the handle 24 and manipulate the hairbrush 20 when styling a person's hair. The configuration andconstruction of the handle 24 and the brush head 22 can varyconsiderably within the spirit and scope of the present invention, ascan the size, shape, and contour of each of these components. In thedisclosed example, the handle 24 is an elongate rod shape configured tobe easily grasped by a user's hand. Also in this disclosed example, thebrush head 22 is generally rectangular in shape.

The hair brush 20 generally has a working or brushing surface, side, orface 26 (hereinafter the “working surface”) that is exposed on a portionof the brush head 22. The configuration, shape, and orientation of theworking surface 26 can vary, depending on the type and style of the hairbrush and its intended use. In this example, the generally rectangularbrush head 22 has a perimeter 28 and two opposed, somewhat flat orplanar surfaces or sides, one of which is a back surface 30 and theother of which is the working surface 26.

In this example, the hair brush 20 is designed to produce more than onedifferent hair styling characteristic or function. In order to do so,the hair brush 20 employs more than one functional element on theworking surface 26 of the brush head 22. As depicted in FIGS. 1-3, thebrush head 22 has a plurality of monofilament bristles 32 that protrudefrom the working surface 26. The brush head 22 also has a plurality ofbristle tufts or clusters 34 also protruding from the working surface26. In addition, the brush head 22 further has a microfiber material 36that is exposed on at least a portion of the working surface 26. Themicrofiber material 36 is generally exposed in the same direction as themonofilament bristles 32 and bristle tufts 34. Specific structural andfunctional characteristics of each of these functional elements aredescribed in greater detail below.

The basic construction of the working surface 26 on the hair brush 20 isdepicted in and described with reference to FIG. 4. However, it isunderstood that the basic construction and manufacturing methods used tocreate the disclosed hair brushes can vary within the spirit and scopeof the present invention. In this example, the brush head 22 generallydefines a cavity (not shown) on the side opposite the back surface 30. Abristle assembly 40 is attached to, mounted to, adhered to, or otherwisesecured to the brush head 22 over the cavity. FIG. 4 generally shows thebristle assembly 40 in this disclosed example.

In general, the bristle assembly 40 has a bristle carrier 42 that issecured or joined to the brush head 22. The bristle carrier 42 has afront side 44 facing away from the brush head 22 and creating a part ofthe working surface 26. The bristle carrier 42 also has a back side 46that faces the brush head 22, i.e., the cavity or recess in the brushhead. The bristle carrier 42 also has a perimeter edge 48 that is sizedand shaped to correspond to that of the brush head 22, and particularlythe cavity into which the bristle assembly is received and installed.

The bristle carrier 42 can be a resilient and flexible material that canflex and return or spring back to shape during use, as is known in theart. In one example, the bristle carrier 42 can be formed of anelastomeric material, rubber material, plasticized PVC material, or thelike. In other examples, the bristle carrier 42 may be relatively stiffand somewhat less resilient and flexible, if desired. Other suitablematerials can also be used to form the bristle carrier 42, differentfrom the examples described herein.

With reference to FIGS. 1-3, a ring 50 that is also sized and shaped tocorrespond to the configuration of the brush head 22 and can be utilizedto secure the bristle assembly 40 to the hair brush 20. In one example,the ring 50 can be a ceramic material or can be a ceramic coatedsubstrate. The ring can certainly be formed of other suitable materialssuch as aluminum, plastic, wood, or the like. Depending on the materialconstruction of the ring 50, the ring can be secured to the brush head22 in any suitable manner, such as by sonic welding, adhesives,fasteners, a snap fit configuration, or the like. The ring 50 can beconfigured to clamp the perimeter edge 48 of the bristle carrier 42between the ring and the brush head 22 over the cavity. When assembled,the bristle carrier 42 can take on a convex shape when viewed from thefront side 44 as is known in the art, creating a hollow space beneaththe bristle carrier and over the cavity. The bristle carrier 42 can flexresiliently toward and away from the cavity during use.

Returning to FIG. 4, the bristle carrier 42 in this example has aplurality of holes 52 form therethrough from the front side 44 to theback side 46. In this example, each of the plurality of holes 52 extendsthrough a generally cylindrical support pod 54 that protrudes from theback side 46 on the bristle carrier 42. The support pods 54 can beintegrally molded from the same material as the bristle carrier 42 andconfigured to provide stability and support for the various bristlesattached to the bristle carrier. It is preferred that the variousbristles remain attached to the bristle carrier 42 and remain in agenerally stable orientation relative to one another and to the bristlecarrier.

In this example, each of the monofilament bristles 32 can be a man-mademolded or extruded synthetic structure. Each monofilament bristle 32 canbe formed of any suitable rigid or semi-rigid material, such as plastic,thermoplastic elastomer, metal, or the like. In one example, themonofilament bristles 32 can each be extruded and cut to length from anylon material. As shown, each monofilament bristle 32 has a stalk 56, afree end 58, and a secured end 60. The secured ends 60 in this exampleare formed to create a hook 64 thereon. The free ends 58 are formed withan optional ball 62 on the tip of the stalk 56. In one example, eachmonofilament bristle 32 can be heated and bent to form the hook 64 andthe free end 58 can be dipped in a secondary material, such as an epoxypaint, to form the ball 62 on the tip.

As will be evident to those having ordinary skill in the art, theconfiguration and construction of the monofilament bristles 32 can varywithin the spirit and scope of the present invention. Each bristle canbe individually molded. Each monofilament bristle 32 can be the same asthe other monofilament bristles on the hair brush 20 or the hair brushcan include two or more different types of monofilament bristles thatare different in length, diameter, material, shape, and/or the like.

In this example, each of the bristle tufts 34 is formed of a naturallyoccurring substance, such as animal hair. It is well known in theindustry to utilize horse hair, boar hair, or the like as brushbristles. In one example, each of the bristle tufts 34 can be formedfrom multiple strands of boar hair. As shown in FIG. 4, in one example,a strand of boar hair can be bent in half at 70 such that each strandforms two natural bristles 34 of the bristle tufts 34 in the bristleassembly 40. It is within the scope of the invention that the bristletufts can be formed of man-made or synthetic materials, such aselastomer, nylon, or the like.

In the disclosed example, at least one of the monofilament bristles 32is seated in a corresponding one of the holes 52 in the bristle carrier42. In other examples, it is at least possible that two or more of themonofilament bristles 32 can be seated in a common hole 52 in thebristle carrier 42. In this example, some of the monofilament bristles32 are seated in the same or a common hole 52 with one of the bristletufts 34. In this example, a plurality of the boar hair strands are bentand tufted together and seated in a hole 52 that also includes one ofthe monofilament bristles 32. Some of the monofilament bristles 32 areseated in a hole 52 that does not include any bristle tuft 34.

The various bristles can be secured to the bristle carrier 42 using avariety of methods known in the art. In one example, though not shownherein, a metal staple, a metal clamp, or a wire can be used to pinch,clamp, and/or otherwise retain the bristles in place on the bristlecarrier 42. In another example, the size and shape of the secured end 60of the monofilament bristles 32 can be such that an interference fit iscreated between the support pod 54 and the hook 64. Thus, friction canbe used to retain the bristles secured to the bristle carrier 42, as inthis example. In a further example, glue or a suitable adhesive can alsobe applied to each support pod 54 at the back side 46 of the bristlecarrier 42. This can help secure and retain the various bristlesattached to the bristle carrier 42. Particularly, the glue or adhesivecan help secure and retained the finer bristle tufts 34 within therespective support pods 54.

The method used to secure the various bristles in place can be selecteddepending on the desired performance characteristics of the hair brush20. Multi-strand boar hair tufts 34 and synthetic bristles 32 can beattached to a bristle carrier, i.e., a cushion pad. The securing methodmay be devised to withstand an average pull out force of 2.0 to 3.0pounds (1.36 kg). As will be evident to those having ordinary skill inthe art, the particular securing devices and methods can vary from theexamples shown and described herein. In addition, the disclosed supportpods 54 are optional as well. Other configurations and constructions ofthe bristle carrier 42, sometimes called the bristle cushion or pad, arecertainly within the scope of the present invention as well.

In a disclosed example, the microfiber material 36 can be a clothelement that is applied to at least a portion of the front side 44 ofthe bristle carrier 42. For the hair brush 20, a substantial majority,if not all, of the front side 44 is covered by the microfiber material36. A microfiber material is typically defined as a textile formed ofsynthetic fibers that have a very thin thread diameter. Typically,microfiber thread is defined as being finer than one or 1.3 denier ordecitex per thread. This is typically about 1/100 the diameter of ahuman hair and 1/20 the diameter of a strand of silk. Microfibers areoften made from polyester textile, polyamide textile, polypropylenetextile, or some combination thereof. Microfiber material can beconfigured having a mat, knit, or weave structure to create a cloth orfabric material layer with a base and a loop pile, for example.Alternatively, microfiber material be formed having a non-wovenstructure. Characteristics of the microfiber material can be varied tocreate desired performance features and characteristics. For the purposeof the disclosed hair brushes, the microfiber material 36 can bespecifically designed to yield a soft feel, absorb liquid, and the like.The microfiber material 36 can be relatively flat or have a texture, asdesired. Further, the thickness of the fabric or cloth layer of themicrofiber material 36 can also be varied, depending on the particularperformance characteristics desired of the material.

Microfiber material 36 can be secured to the bristle carrier 42 by useof glue or an adhesive that can withstand exposure to water and haircleaning, styling, and conditioning products. In the disclosed example,the ring 50 and the size and location of the perimeter edges of themicrofiber material 36 can be such that the ring clamps and secures boththe edges of the microfiber material and the perimeter edge 48 of thebristle carrier 42 to the bristle head 22 when the hair brush 20 isassembled.

As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the microfiber material 36 is exposed between thevarious bristles and at the base of the bristles 32, 34. Themonofilament bristles 32 are spaced apart from one another over theworking surface 26 area. The number, placement, and spacing of themonofilament bristles 32 can vary, depending on the hair styling purposeand the hair type for which the hair brush 20 is intended. Similarly,the overall length of the monofilament bristles 32 can vary for the samereasons. In this example, some of the monofilament bristles 32 standalone and are not associated with or closely adjacent any of the bristletufts 34. Other of the monofilament bristles 32 are clustered togetherwith some of the bristle tufts 34. In this example, the bristle tufts 34and monofilament bristles 32 are generally arranged in lengthwise spacedapart rows on the brush head 22. This arrangement can change.

For example, FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate just one of many possiblealternative examples of a bristle arrangement. In this example, a hairbrush 80 has essentially the same construction as the earlier describedhair brush 20. The only difference is that each of the monofilamentbristles 32 in this example is clustered with a corresponding one of thebristle tufts 34. Each is secured therewith in the same hole 52 andsupport pod 54 on the bristle carrier 42. As will become apparent below,additional alternate bristle arrangements are certainly within the scopeof the present invention.

As noted above, the size, shape, and configuration of the brush head 22can vary. To illustrate, FIGS. 7-9 depict another example of a hairbrush 90 that is constructed essentially the same as the earlierdescribed hair brush 20. The only difference in this example is that thebrush head 92 of the hair brush 90 has an oval shape defined by itsperimeter 94 instead of the earlier described rectangular shape. Thearrangement of the monofilament bristles 32, bristle tufts 34, andmicrofiber material 36 is essentially the same as that described abovefor the hair brush 20.

The arrangement of the various bristles on the hair brush 90 can alsovary within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Toillustrate, FIGS. 10 and 11 depict another example of a hair brush 100that is essentially the same as the hair brush 90 including having anoval brush head 102. However, in this example, the monofilament bristles32 and bristle tufts 34 are each clustered together in a manneridentical to that for the alternate hair brush 80 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6and described above.

Other bristle arrangements can also fall within the scope of the presentinvention. Several additional alternate examples are depicted in FIGS.12-14, each showing an oval shaped hair brush similar to those depictedin FIGS. 7-11. FIG. 12 shows a hair brush 110 with an oval brush head112. In this example, each of the monofilament bristles 32 is arrangedin a diagonal row across the working surface 26. Similarly, the bristletufts 34 are arranged in diagonal rows across the working surface 26.However, each of the rows of bristle tufts 34 is completely independentof, and alternately dispersed between the rows of monofilament bristles32. Thus, in this example, each bristle type is secured in its own holeand/or support pod on the bristle carrier. In another example, thoughnot shown herein, dual diagonal rows of each type of bristle can beformed on the brush head 112 and can crisscross one another over theworking surface 26.

FIG. 13 shows another example of a hair brush 120 with an oval brushhead 122. In this example, the monofilament bristles 32 are arranged inlengthwise rows along the brush head 122. The rows of monofilamentbristles 32 alternate with separate and independent rows of the bristletufts 34. Similar to the hair brush 110, the monofilament bristles 32 onthe hair brush 120 do not share any common holes or support pod with thetufts 34. FIG. 14 shows yet another example of a hair brush 130 with anoval brush head 132. The hair brush 130 has a similar construction tothat of the hair brush 120 except that the monofilament bristles 32 arearranged in radially spaced apart oval rings. Likewise, the bristletufts 34 are arranged in radially spaced apart oval rings that areradially interspersed with the rings of monofilament bristles 32. Again,the monofilament bristles 32 and the bristle tufts 34 on the hair brush130 do not share any common attachment points, i.e., holes or supportpods.

FIGS. 15-17 illustrate yet another example of a hair brush 140constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.In this example, the hair brush 140 has a generally cylindrical or roundbrush head 142 and a handle 144 extending lengthwise or axially from thebrush head. The brush head 142 has an outer circumferential workingsurface 146. A plurality of the monofilament bristles 32 protrudesradially outward from the working surface 146 with the individualbristles being spaced apart around and lengthwise over the brush head142. A plurality of the bristle tufts 34 also protrude radially outwardfrom the working surface 146 with the individual tufts being spacedapart around and lengthwise over the brush head 142. In this example,two microfiber material segments 148 are also carried on the workingsurface 146. The microfiber material segments 148 are arranged oppositeone another on the working surface around the circumference of the brushhead 142.

Similar to the hair brush 20 described above, some of the monofilamentbristles 32 protrude from the brush head 142 and are independent of anyof the bristle tufts 34. Likewise, some of the monofilament bristles 32are secured to the brush head 142 at essentially the same location asone of the bristle tufts 34. The various bristles are again arranged inlengthwise rows along a length of the cylindrical brush head 142 in thisexample. Though not shown herein, a bristle carrier can be positionedwithin and secured to a core 150 of the brush head 142. FIG. 17 showsthe brush head 142 with an end cap 151 of FIG. 15 removed to genericallyexpose and show the core material. The various bristles can be securedto the bristle carrier, which can in turn be secured to the interior ofthe core 150. The various bristles can extend through holes 152 or othersuch openings in portions of the core 150 or other components of thebrush head 142. In this example, the core 150 can be a multi-componentsstructure, with the components being snapped, fastened, welded,sonically welded, glued, or otherwise adhered to one another to completeor cover a base core material.

The microfiber material segments 148 can be adhered to a surface of thecore 150. Plates, such as thin metal, ceramic, or ceramic coated plates154, can be secured to the core 150 and can pinch or capture edges ofthe segments 148 against the core. These plates 154 can function similarto the earlier described ring 50 of the hair brush 20. Additional ventopenings 156 can also be provided through portions of the core 150,plates 154, or the like to vent the round brush head 142. Typically,this type of hair brush 140 is used to style one's hair in conjunctionwith a blow dryer. The brush head 142 can become quite hot during use.The vent openings 156 can help to dissipate heat from the brush 140.

The plates 154 on the core 150 of the round style brush head can beceramic, metal, or other suitable materials. The earlier described flat(rectangular, oval, etc.) style brushes can also include microfibermaterial segments and metal or ceramic plates on portions of the workingsurface, if desired.

Again, some of the monofilament bristles 32 on the round hair brush 140are attached to the brush head 142 independent of any other bristles.Some of the monofilament bristles 32 protrude from the brush head 142 atthe same locations as the bristle tufts 34. Some of the bristles 32, 34also protrude through the microfiber material segments 148 and some ofthe bristles do not. The bristle and microfiber material arrangement canvary on this type of hair brush, similar to the prior examples. Forexample, FIG. 18 shows an end view of a hair brush 160 with a differentbristle arrangement. Each of the bristle tufts 34 protrudes from a brushhead 162 at a different, independent location than the monofilamentbristles 32. In this example, each of the monofilament bristles 32 isalso provided as a V-shaped structure including two of the bristlesjoined together at their respective bases (not shown). This is simply toillustrate one possible variation in the structure of the monofilamentbristles described earlier. FIG. 19 depicts yet another example of around hair brush 170 whereby the monofilament bristles 32 are arrangedin lengthwise rows and the bristle tufts 34 are also arranged inlengthwise rows on a brush head 172 and interspersed between the rows ofmonofilament bristles and independent thereof. A wide variety of otheroptional and different bristle arrangements are certainly possible forany of the hair brush configurations disclosed and described herein.

The disclosed hair brushes offer a unique combination of hair stylingfeatures and characteristics. The monofilament bristles 32 in each ofthe embodiments can be sized and spaced to perform the function ofaligning strands of hair and detangling strands of hair of the user. Thebristle tufts 34 in each of the embodiments can be optionally providedto distribute natural oils throughout the user's hair as well as todistribute hairstyling and conditioning products being applied to thehair. The bristle tufts 34, both in construction and in the clusteredarrangement, can hold, retain, and more evenly distribute the naturaloils and hair care products throughout the user's hair in comparison toa brush having only monofilament bristles 32. The microfiber materials36 and 148 of the disclosed embodiments can provide the additionalfunction of smoothing and polishing the hair strands of a user.Microfiber material can be designed to absorb water and natural oils,and to distribute same, much more evenly than either of the monofilamentor tufted bristles 32, 34. Depending on the particular characteristicsof a brush design, the microfiber material can be specifically tailoredto absorb, hold, and release natural oils, conditioner, water, and thelike to the user's hair. This function can greatly assist in smoothingand polishing the hair strands of the user, giving the hair strands astrong and healthy shine and a smooth appearance.

A brush constructed according to the teachings of the present inventioncan have a plurality of bristles with one or more bristle typesextending through a substrate, such as a bristle carrier, brush headcore, or the like. The brush can have at least one microfiber materialelement that is positioned on an exterior portion of the substrate andexposed to a user's hair during use. The brush can have at least aportion of the plurality of bristles extend through the microfibermaterial element or elements. The brush can include one, two, or morethan two bristle types, such as porcupine (clusters of monofilament andtufts), boar, monofilament, or elastomer material bristles. Less thanall of the various bristles and bristle types can extend through themicrofiber material element. The brush can include one or more metalelements on a working surface of the brush and/or can include one ormore ceramic or ceramic coated elements on the working surface. In oneexample, the brush can have at least a portion of the plurality ofbristles extend through the at least one metal or ceramic elements.

Embodiments of the invention described herein are able to create asmoothing action when styling one's hair by use of three distinctfeatures in a single brush: (1) combing, aligning, and detangling; (2)polishing; and (3) redistribution of natural oils and/or hair product.The disclosed hair brushes combine these three features into a singlehair brush by employing: (1) substantially rigid or semi-rigid bristlesor monofilaments for combing; (2) natural or synthetic micro-bristletufts or clusters for redistribution of natural oils and residual hairproduct, and static reduction; and (3) microfiber material for polishingthe cuticle and further redistribution of natural oils and hair product.

Microfiber material has not before been used in a brush for the purposeof smoothing hair strands and polishing cuticles. The microfibermaterial has microscopic filaments that may interact with the haircuticle in a way that allows for a much broader amount of surface tosurface contact, resulting in a much better distribution of oils andhair care products. This may allow the hair to be polished at thenano-level, at the cuticle. This effect, in combination with knownaligning and oil redistribution qualities of other known types ofbristles, can work together to create a superior smoothing effect incomparison to existing smoothing brush products.

The microfiber material elements or segments can be attached to or nearthe base of the bristles on the working surface of the brush. Inaddition, or alternatively, microfiber material can be included asfolded fins or otherwise elevated in order to provide more, deeper, orimproved interaction with the hair. In one embodiment, varying theheight of the microfiber can be achieved by cutting the microfiber intoflaps, waves, or rods that extend upward in the direction of thebristles.

Tufting machines typically used for making these types of brushes can bevery sensitive in that the force that the machine uses to push thebristle through the rubber pad or carrier is generally balanced with theresistance that the pad provides. If the force is too large, the bentend of the bristle may go all the way through the pad and the bristlemay flop around. If the force is too small, then bent edge of thebristle may not sink deep enough into the pad material, and the bristlemay fall out during use.

Adding a layer of microfiber before bristling of the pad or carriercould increase the manufacturing complexity and difficulty. The surfaceof a typical microfiber substrate may be uneven, such as when themicrofiber is a base layer with a loop pile. The force required to punchthe bristle through the microfiber and the carrier material to thecorrect depth may depend on where the bristling machine hits themicrofiber (e.g. on top of a loop, at the base of the substrate, etc.).Because of this, some bristles may tend to either fall out from the top,or be punched too far through the carrier and wobble around.

The disclosed embodiments of the invention can solve this problem. Onecan pre-punch the microfiber along with or separate from the carriermaterial. In one embodiment, this can be achieved by passing themicrofiber and cushion pad or carrier through the bristling machine withno bristles. In other embodiments, other methods can be used, such aspunching the substrates with a die, etc. After the pad or carrier andthe microfiber is pre-punched, the substrate can then be run through thebristling machine a second time to insert the tufts and the bristles.This pre-punching operation can improve the consistency of the bristlingforce required to penetrate the substrate. The pre-punching process canbe conducted to create holes in the microfiber material that align withthe holes and pods in the carrier or pad of the disclosed examples. Thiscan result in more uniform bristle heights and a higher quality endproduct. In other embodiments, molding tools may incorporate additionalelements that would capture the pad or carrier during the bristling stepto stop the bristles from punching too far through the pad. Thisadditional tooling may be incorporated in addition to the abovementioned two-step processes, or may be used in lieu of the additionalpre-punching process, allowing for a single bristling step while stillachieving uniform and quality bristling.

In addition, according to the disclosed embodiments, an extrudedmonofilament bristle may be used instead of an injection molded bristle.Conventionally, oval brushes are bristled by pushing injection moldedbristles through the back of the pad or carrier. However, because thepads may be pre-punched, according to some embodiments, an extrudedbristle can now be inserted through the front of the bristle pad andsecured to the back of the pad or carrier according to conventionaltechniques or by using the disclosed pods.

Although certain hair brushes with smoothing features, characteristics,and capabilities have been described herein in accordance with theteachings of the present disclosure, the scope of coverage of thispatent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers allembodiments of the teachings of the disclosure that fairly fall withinthe scope of permissible equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A hair brush comprising: a brush head having aworking surface; a plurality of monofilament bristles protruding fromthe working surface of the brush head; and a microfiber material exposedon a portion of the working surface of the brush head.
 2. The hair brushaccording to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of bristle tuftsprotruding from the working surface of the brush head.
 3. The hair brushaccording to claim 1, further comprising a bristle carrier connected tothe brush head, the plurality of monofilament bristles attached to thebristle carrier.
 4. The hair brush according to claim 1, furthercomprising: a plurality of bristle tufts protruding from the workingsurface of the brush head; and a bristle carrier connected to the brushhead, the plurality of monofilament bristles and the plurality ofbristle tufts attached to the bristle carrier.
 5. The hair brushaccording to claim 4, wherein at least a portion of the monofilamentbristles and/or a portion of the bristle tufts protrude through themicrofiber material.
 6. The hair brush according to claim 1, furthercomprising: a bristle carrier connected to the brush head, the pluralityof monofilament bristles attached to the bristle carrier, wherein thebristle carrier has a front side facing in the direction of the workingsurface, a back side facing the brush head, and a plurality of holesformed therethrough, each of the plurality of holes extending through asupport pod protruding from the back side.
 7. The hair brush accordingto claim 1, further comprising a plurality of bristle tufts protrudingfrom the working surface of the brush head, wherein a least a portion ofthe plurality of bristle tufts is formed at least in part of boarbristles.
 8. The hair brush according to claim 7, wherein each bristleof the plurality of bristle tufts is formed as a strand of boar hairthat is bent in half to form two boar bristles.
 9. The hair brushaccording to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of bristle tuftsprotruding from the working surface of the brush head, wherein at leastsome of the plurality of monofilament bristles are closely adjacentcorresponding tufts of the plurality of bristle tufts.
 10. The hairbrush according to claim 1, wherein at least some of the plurality ofmonofilament bristles is formed of a Nylon material.
 11. The hair brushaccording to claim 1, wherein at least some of the plurality ofmonofilament bristles is an extruded Nylon material with a free enddipped in a substance to form a ball on a tip of the free end.
 12. Thehair brush according to claim 1, further comprising a bristle carrierformed of a resilient, flexible material with a perimeter edge which isjoined to the brush head.
 13. The hair brush according to claim 12,further comprising support pods protruding from and spaced apart over aback side of the bristle carrier, each support pod defining a bristlehole through the bristle carrier.
 14. The hair brush according to claim13, wherein each of the plurality of monofilament bristles is secured ina different one of the support pods.
 15. The hair brush according toclaim 14, further comprising a plurality of bristle tufts protrudingfrom the working surface of the brush head, wherein one or more of theplurality of bristle tufts is secured in a common one of the supportpods along with one of the plurality of monofilament bristles.
 16. Thehair brush according to claim 12, further comprising a plurality ofbristle tufts protruding from the working surface of the brush head,wherein the plurality of monofilament bristles is secured in a first setof the support pods and the plurality of bristle tufts is secured in asecond set of the support pods different from the first set.
 17. Thehair brush according to claim 1, wherein the brush head is an oval or arectangular shape defined by a perimeter and forming a pair of opposedfaces, one of which defines the working surface.
 18. The hair brushaccording to claim 1, wherein the brush head has a generally cylindricalshape with a circumferential outer surface defining the working surface.19. The hair brush according to claim 1, further comprising a handleconnected to and extending from the brush head.
 20. The hair brushaccording to claim 1, wherein the microfiber material is a layer ofmicrofiber cloth connected to a substantial majority of the workingsurface.
 21. The hair brush according to claim 1, further comprising abristle carrier coupled to the brush head, wherein the microfibermaterial includes two or more microfiber material segments connected tothe bristle carrier on the working surface.
 22. The hair brush accordingto claim 21, wherein each of the microfiber material segments is spacedfrom the other of the microfiber material segments.
 23. The hair brushaccording to claim 21, wherein a ring secures a perimeter edge of thebristle carrier to the brush head.
 24. The hair brush according to claim23, wherein the ring is formed of a ceramic material or has a ceramiccoating thereon.